2012 Charleston Pride Festival Schedule

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Thursday, July 12

Art For Pride Art Walk, 5-8 p.m.
The Olde Village, North Charleston
• The walk will take place at various businesses along North Charleston's Old Business District on East Montague in Park Circle. It will celebrate local LGBT artists. Free

Gay In America Book Signing,
5:30-10:30 p.m. South of Broadway Theatre Company Studios, 1080 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston
• Sponsored by the local LGBT community group enlightenMen, this book signing features author Scott Pasfield. The book highlights various LGBT individuals and their lives throughout the United States through photo documentation.

Takeover Charleston, 6-10 p.m. DIG in the Park, 1049 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston
• The group responsible for the social takeovers at areas such as California Dreaming and the Tides at Folly will be taking over Dig in the Park in Park Circle. Gather with friends and enjoy food and drinks.

LGBT Film Festival, 7 & 9 p.m. The Olde North Charleston Picture House, 4820 Jenkins Ave. North Charleston
• The festival will feature films Breakfast With Scott and Pariah, the latter of which was featured at the Sundance Film Festival last year. $5, $2/Park Circle Film Society members

Friday, July 13

Charleston Pride Empress and Emperor Pageant, 6-9 p.m. Music Farm, 32 Ann St. Downtown
• The pageant will feature the following categories: Evening Gown, Creative Pride Wear, and the Talent portion. The Empress and Emperor will represent Pride for the next year. $10/21 and up, $15/under 21

Saturday, July 14

Charleston Pride Parade, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Park Circle. North Charleston
• The signature event of every Pride festival, the 2012 Charleston Pride Parade returns to the Park Circle area of North Charleston. It will feature floats from various local individuals and businesses and leads to the Pride Rally. Free

Charleston Pride Rally, 12-5 p.m.
Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Drive.
North Charleston
•• Immediately following the parade, the rally will offer a full array of entertainment and activities for kids and adults, including food, live entertainment, vendors, and more. Chairs, umbrellas, grills, and pets are welcome. Free

Charleston Pride Worship Party, 2 a.m.
S.C. Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf. Downtown
• The official after-hours party of Charleston Pride 2012, DJ Lydia Prim will be providing the music, and there will be a cash bar available until the end of the party. $25/general admission, $35/VIP

The Pride Issue 2012

Born and raised in Charleston, Melissa Moore is currently the executive director of We Are Family, an organization that provides resources to LGBTQQIAA youth aged 16-23. She has also held positions with S.C. Equality and the Alliance for Full Acceptance

Rob Lewis has served on the boards of a number of organizations, from the Carolina Bear Lodge to the local World Adult Kickball Association to his neighborhood association. He is the current president of Charleston Pride.

Sabian Mignone is a female-to-male transgendered individual. He is the founder of Wando High School's Gay-Straight Alliance and is a member of We Are Family. Since he's on staff at the Tribal Tribune, Wando's student newspaper, we invited Sabian to pen his
own essay.

Gracie Aghapour is one of the founders of Girls Rock Charleston, a week-long summer program whose mission is to empower girls and trans youth through music education, DIY media, and creative collaboration. Its second run takes place this week.

Kneena (last name withheld) came to the Lowcountry to attend the College of Charleston. They (Kneena prefers them/they pronouns) has been involved with the Really, Really Free Market, Girls Rock Camp, and We Are Family.